A weekend of meditation could determine whether Jim Daley will soldier on as head coach of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Daley is the club's first choice, Winnipeg GM Brendan Taman has confirmed. And after weeks of evading the question, Daley recently admitted that he wants to return.

So, when's the press conference?

"We still have to go over some logistical things and we're not rushing into anything," Taman said. "But we will have to get something done pretty quick so the assistant coaches know what's up."

Daley, who took the reins when Dave Ritchie was fired in August, would be allowed to hire his own assistants.

Daley returns to Calgary this weekend to discuss the situation with his wife while Taman will also take the weekend off to think things over.

"He's interested in coming back but he's got to figure things out and his wife's in Calgary so that's a consideration," Taman said. "And contracts are never easy to sort out."

The Bombers would likely have to offer at least a two-year pact to whomever they hire as head coach, no matter who it is. And they were impressed with Daley, even if he fell just short of making the playoffs with a 5-6 record.

Although the two will get together again Monday, the CFL has issued an embargo on clubs making major announcements until after the Grey Cup.

RUMOURS: Rookie Bombers punter Jon Ryan will reportedly try to get an NFL tryout this winter ... B.C. Lions director of player personnel Bob O'Billovich has been mentioned as a possibility of becoming the next Ottawa GM, or even head coach/GM, depending on whether current head coach Joe Paopao returns. Eric Tillman is not expected back as GM ... If Paopao is not re-signed, he could end up in Calgary as offensive co-ordinator ... Calgary's defensive co-ordinator Dennis Creehan may draw interest as a head coach somewhere and that could include Winnipeg if Daley passes on the job. Creehan, of course, coached both defensive lineman Joe Fleming and safety Wes Lysack, and don't be surprised if the Bombers take a run at linebacker John Grace should Calgary allow him to become a free agent ... Now that Sportsnet has gotten involved, the CFL is hoping to televise all games next season, which would facilitate instant replay.

RATINGS UP: The Toronto Star reports that CFL ratings are up 7% on CBC-TV but down 3% on TSN. That decrease was blamed on 10 matches conflicting with the Olympic Games.